News Focus
- VfL Wolfsburg suffer relegation to Bundesliga 2 after losing the play-off final against SC Paderborn.
- Joakim Mæhle received a red card in the 14th minute, forcing Wolfsburg to play with ten men for most of the match.
- Coach Dieter Hecking claims the referee made a harsh decision and lacked feel for the game.
- Wolfsburg took the lead three minutes after half-time but could not hold on against the second-tier side.
- Paderborn secured their place in next season’s Bundesliga with the victory.
VfL Wolfsburg have dropped out of the Bundesliga following a painful 2-1 defeat after extra time. The club lost to SC Paderborn on Monday evening in the second leg of the promotion-relegation play-off.
The match turned against the Wolves after only fourteen minutes. Danish defender Joakim Mæhle received his second yellow card, and the referee sent him off. This left Wolfsburg with ten players for nearly the entire clash.
Despite this setback, the home side took the lead three minutes into the second half. However, Paderborn fought back to force extra time. The visitors then scored the winning goal to secure their place in next season’s top flight.
Manager Dieter Hecking strongly criticised the decision to dismiss Mæhle. He told the press that the official should have looked at the full sequence of events. Hecking felt the referee showed a lack of common sense and compassion for the situation.
The coach admitted his squad feels devastated by the result. He stated that one single moment can decide whether a club stays up or goes down. Hecking added that the team needs a few days to process the disappointment before discussing future plans.
Wolfsburg must now prepare for life in the second tier of German football. Paderborn celebrate their return to the elite division after their victory in this two-legged tie.